Europe looks to step up defense, competitiveness under Danish presidency

ISTANBUL

European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen on Tuesday outlined plans to strengthen European defense and competitiveness under Denmark’s European Council Presidency.

"The Danish presidency comes at the right time to deliver the strong Europe in a changing world that we want to see," Metsola told a joint news conference with Frederiksen.

Frederiksen stressed the need to build a stronger and safer Europe amid "all the uncertainty in the world."

"Our main topic, our main goal, is to rearm Europe, not later than 2030," she said.

Metsola also called for a “safer, smarter, and stronger union.”

"We adopted very quickly our position on the European Defense Industry Program, the act in support of ammunition production and the common Procurement Act. And it is with the same sense of urgency that we will work towards a conclusion of the latest defense omnibus package by the end of the year," she said.

Economic competitiveness and cutting red tape

Stressing Europe’s reliance on a strong, competitive economy, Metsola reaffirmed that the Danish presidency would prioritize boosting economic performance.

"We understand that if we want Europe to be competitive, we need to cut unnecessary bureaucracy. Parliament, in this regard, is very much pushing the simplification agenda. We have voted to postpone certain reporting obligations," she explained.

Migration: A divisive challenge

Frederiksen described migration as a “dividing question” for the European Parliament, underscoring the need for practical measures.

"We have to lower the influx, we have to increase the number of returns, and we have to protect our external borders," she said.

Metsola also called for "effective migration management" for the bloc's security, highlighting that migration should be firm, fair, and fast.

"Fair with those who are genuinely in need of protection, firm with those who are not eligible, and fast in returning those who must do so," she explained.

Metsola said the EP is committing to advancing return regulations "swiftly."

"This will help ensure that return decisions are enforced in a harmonized way, and that our asylum systems remain credible and sustainable. And I'm convinced that in the next six months, with the team that we have, we can see results," she added.

Trade ties with the US

Asked about trade negotiations with the US, Metsola stressed the importance of consistency and openness.

"We are firm, and we continue to be firm in our belief that tariffs benefit nobody. We do not want a protracted trade war. We do not want a slippery slope, road to the bottom, race of protectionism," she said, reaffirming that Europe remains the US' "biggest and best partner."

Denmark’s 8th European Council presidency

Denmark assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the European Council in July, pledging to guide the bloc through a turbulent international landscape by bolstering security, competitiveness, and strategic autonomy.

Taking on the role for the eighth time, Denmark will lead the EU Council until Dec. 31, at a critical juncture marked by geopolitical tensions, economic rivalry, and ongoing conflicts. Operating under the slogan “A Strong Europe in a Changing World,” the Danish presidency aims to strengthen Europe’s capacity to act independently while promoting democratic values and internal reforms.